IRA

Republican Gravestones

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These three IRA gravestones are in Derry City Cemetery. The first is to Hugh and Susan Morrison, IRA and Cumann na mBan members in 1922 (findagrave/Derry Journal). Hugh died from a premature bomb explosion during a gun-battle at Skeog/Skeoge (p. 41 of 1916 Derry Rising Revisited). Brothers John and Hugh Gallagher – John was “killed in June [1920] Derry riots” while Hugh was “shot by Free State soldiers at Drumboe Castle [holding centre]” in 1922. Finally, John Starrs, killed in a gun battle with the British Army in William Street, in 1972.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Patrick Sheils

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A plaque “dedicated to the memory of Patrick Shiels Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann 1878-1957. Erected by the republican movement 11th April 2007 to mark his 50th anniversary. I measc laochra na nGael go raıbh sé” is added to the Operation Motorman mural in Rossville Street, Derry. Paddy Shiels took part in the Easter Rising and was later Derry OC. See BMH testimony #676 by Liam Brady.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Let Us Swear By Joe’s Martyred Blood

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“This plaque commemorates IRA vol. Joe McDonnell who lived in this house prior to his capture on 14th Oct 1976. Joe later died at 5.11 am on 8th July 1981 after 61 days on hunger strike in the h blocks Long Kesh. ‘Let us swear by Joe’s martyred blood never to waver of fail til the true united Irish socialist republic stands forth before the nations, a testimony to the worthiness of our case.’ Óglach calma dobhrıste. [A strong, unbreakable volunteer]”

Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Kieran Doherty

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“I gcuımhne ar Vol. Kieran Doherty TD, [IRA] Brıogáıd Bhéal Feırste, of 54 Commedagh Drive, rugadh 16ú Deıreadh Fómhaır 1955, elected TD for Cavan/Monaghan 18th June 1981, a fuaır bás 2ú Lúnasa 1981, after 73 days on hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. ‘It is not those who can inflict the most, but those who can endure the most, who will conquer in the end.’ [paraphrase of Terence MacSwiney]” The memorial stone is in Commedagh Drive, Belfast, just west of Doherty’s home, where there is a plaque to mark his residence “Vol Kieran Doherty T.D. lived here 16-10-1955 – 2-8-1981 Fuaır sé bás as son saoırse na hÉıreann”.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Copyright © 2013 Peter Moloney
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Vol. Frank Ward

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“Erected by the National Graves Association as a tribute to the bravery of Vol. Frank Ward who of 5th April 1922 at Dunamore gave his life in the execution of his duty as a soldier of the Irish Republic. Ar dheıs Dé go raıbh a anam. ‘While Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.’ [Patrick Pearse]” Ward was born in Omagh. At age 22, while dismantling a bridge near Dunamore in order to frustrate British movements, he was shot in a gun battle by the B-Specials (FindAGrave). He is buried in Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Crowley – Carty – Loughran

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“I ndıl chuımhne. In proud and loving memory of Óglach Dermot Crowley, Óglach Patrick Carty, Óglach Sean Loughran, Tyrone Brigade Óglaıgh Na hÉıreann who died on active service outside Omagh 25th June 1973. Fuaır sıad bás ar son shaoırse na hÉıreann. ‘If you strike at, or imprison, or kill us, out of our prisons or graves we will still evoke a spirit that will thwart you, and perhaps, raise a force that will destroy you! We defy you! Do your worst’ – James Connolly.” The three died from a premature bomb explosion. For brief biographies, see An Phoblacht.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Who’s Next?

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“Scap. Donaldson. Who’s next???” In May 2003, the IRA’s head of Internal Security, Freddie Scappaticci, was named in the press as an British informer. His denials were accepted by the IRA and he remained in the North. For Denis Donaldson, see Dead Man Walking. These graffiti are at the top of Stanleys Walk, Derry.

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Copyright © 2007 Peter Moloney
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Gibson – Kearney – McCracken

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“In loving memory of Gerard Gibson, died 11-7-1972 [aged 16 years, OIRA], Michael Kearney, died 18-2-1987 [aged 21 years, IRA], Kevin McCracken, died 14-3-1988 [aged 31 years, IRA, shot in Norglen Crescent]. A thug a mbeatha de chrógacht ar son saoırse na hÉıreann [who bravely gave their lives for Irish freedom] Always remembered by the neighbours and friends of Lower Norglen Parade.”

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Copyright © 2006 Peter Moloney
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